Silence is something I seek daily. This topic has been on my mind a lot as my library gets busier and louder. Instead of a full maker space lab, I am researching ways to bring silence to my library and lab space without interfering with the positive impact of a collaborative learning commons. Silent reading and reflection still hold an important role in my teaching philosophy and in my Bibliotherapy work as a librarian.

In this article,Science Says Silence is Much More Important to our Brains than We Think,scientists who conducted a 2013 study realized that perhaps silence can "grow your brain". Reading this made me reflect even more on the way that my library has changed over the last several years. Sometimes it is so loud I wonder if students are able to concentrate. I have long been a learner of Eastern philosophies and how mindfulness, reflection and contemplative education can help to center us and result in a more relaxed state of being. Mindfulness is a way to become more aware of our surroundings and is known to be helpful to students with anxiety, ADHD or other emotional and focus issues.

To me, it makes a lot of sense to think about our communities and their very unique needs in order to decide which of the newest educational philosophies, strategies and gadgets we will bring into our libraries. Over this past school year I have focused on Mental Health issues with students and teachers and how the library program can support and lead within these issues. Reflection and silence are something that we can all infuse in some small way that will help support our students with social and emotional learning.

The Massachusetts School Library Association works to ensure every school has a school library program that is fully integrated at all grade levels across the curriculum and has a significant and measurable impact on student achievement….Read more…..and Learn more about MSLA